
Clothes dryers and the bottom line: Switching to air drying can save hundreds

Contact: mattport@umich.edu
Research from the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) investigated the costs and emissions associated with the different options for drying clothing in the U.S. The researchers say they knew that there would be a stark contrast between dryers and line drying, but revealed some striking results, highlighting the importance of behavioral changes in addition to technical solutions.
The study's lead author is Zhu Zhu, who performed the work as a SEAS master's student under the guidance of SEAS Professor Shelie Miller.
Read the full press release on the Michigan News website.
Study: The Relative Benefits of Electrification, Energy Efficiency, and Line Drying Clothes in the United States (DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108212)